Nickel-Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries (NiMH) are most commonly used in devices that are power hungry. As a great alternative to disposable Alkaline batteries, NiMH batteries have the same voltage as Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable batteries but hold 2 to 3 times the capacity (also described as power). Think of your NiMH battery as a bath tub which contains energy, rather than water. The larger the bath tub, the greater the capacity of power you will receive.

NiMH batteries are one of most popular choices for high-drain (high power-consuming) devices such as digital cameras, handheld games, flashlights, cordless power tools, camcorders, toys, electronic razors and toothbrushes, medical instruments and more.

Unlike NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries don’t develop memory effect and can be recharged at any time. Memory effect is when a battery must be fully drained before recharging or the capacity will be reduced.

Advantages of NiMH Batteries:

High energy density = longer run times

Higher capacity over NiCd batteries

Recharges hundreds of times

Quick charge performance

No memory effect

Environmentally friendly

Most NiMH batteries individually provide 1.2 Volt of power per cell, with the exception of 9 Volt NiMH batteries (provides 8.4 Volt of power).

As with all batteries, NiMH chemistry batteries are rated by the mAh (milliampere-hours) they provide. The higher the rating, the longer the cell will last. For example a mAh rating of 10,000 (D size battery) will provide power longer than a battery rated at 2200 mAh (AA size battery).

NiMH BATTERY PACKS: NiMH battery packs are made up of individual cells of 1.2 Volt each to create packs of different voltages. They include 4.8 Volt, 6 Volt, 7.2 Volt, 12 Volt, 24 Volt, etc. When charging your NiMH battery packs, it’s always a good idea to use a Smart Charger rather than a Timer-Controlled Charger, to ensure a full and long lasting charge.

NiMH FLAT TOP (OEM) BATTERIES: These batteries are used for building any size battery pack (2.4 Volt, 3.6 Volt, 4.8 Volt, 6 Volt, 7.2 Volt, 8.4 Volt, 9.6 Volt, 10.8 Volt, 12 Volt, etc.) for those who are able to put on the tabs themselves. These are a little less expensive than batteries with tabs. All that is required to attach the tabs is the ability to operate a simple spot welder or a soldering iron.